Penn Quarter and Chinatown
There is so much to choose from in this area and it’s all within walking distance of the National Mall.
Matchbox Pizza
- Waiter Service
More than pizza, also great burgers and salads (also found on Capitol Hill). Perfect for lunch or dinner
Rosa Mexicana
- Waiter Service
Fancier Mexican with to die for guacamole made at your table. Grownups try the pomegranate margarita, yum! Great dinner spot, but good for lunch too.
Zaytina
- Waiter Service
This will be for the more adventurous kids who are willing to eat hummus and kabobs. This is a delicious Mediterranean restaurant and one of my favorites. It is usually quite loud, always a good thing with kids in tow. I would recommend this for dinner or a heavy lunch.
Teaism
- Counter Service
You’ll find several of these restaurants around town and they are one of my favorites. The ginger lime tea is something I crave and the bento boxes are like grown-up lunch boxes. There are plenty of fun options for the kids and it’s something different so be adventurous and give it a try. This would be a good spot for lunch.
Austin Grill
- Waiter Service
Another solid mexican spot good for lunch or dinner – they also have a good brunch.
Clyde’s
- Waiter Service
This is a local chain with several spots around town. They have a huge menu and would be a good spot for lunch or dinner.
Hill Country BBQ
- Counter Service
This is actually cafeteria style rather than counter service to be exact. You go through the line and pick your meat, sides and dessert. It’s a casual place with a big menu and bands in the evening. It would be a good place for lunch or a dinner on the early side as it has quite a bar scene in the evenings.
Merzi
- Counter Service
Think of this as an Indian Chipotle. It is one of my new favorites. Because you go through a cafeteria style line you can make the food as spicy or bland as you like so if it’s chicken and rice your kids will eat you can do that. This would be a quick and easy lunch spot.
Pitango Gelato
- Counter Service
One word, delicious. A little bit of heaven right here in D.C. The hardest thing is deciding what flavor to choose.